LIFE & STYLE
HAVE YOUR SAY COUNCIL PROPOSES FAIRER RATING STRUCTURE
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Hills Shire residents are invited to have their say on a proposed new rating structure designed to keep residential rates equitable and sustainable while supporting the Shire’ s continued growth.
Council modelling shows that 47,482 households would be better off under the proposed structure compared with retaining the current system. Without change, ongoing cost pressures would otherwise be passed on to residents.
Under the proposal, apartment owners would see an average increase of $ 3.85 per week, while owners of standalone houses would experience an average increase of $ 0.56 per week. These figures include the 4.7 per cent rate peg increase set by IPART, which determines the total revenue councils can collect from rates each year.
Maintaining the current rating structure would result in higher average increases for many households over time. Pensioner rebates will continue to apply.
Mayor of The Hills Shire, Dr Michelle
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Byrne, said the proposed adjustments would align rate contributions with the cost of delivering essential services and infrastructure, share costs more fairly across a growing community, and reduce financial impacts on residents in future years.
“ The Hills is the fastest-growing council area in NSW. We need to ensure the way we collect rates reflects the level of services and infrastructure required by our rapidly expanding community,” Mayor Byrne said.
“ This proposed rating structure ensures standalone homeowners are not unfairly paying higher rates, while apartment owners make a fairer contribution to our ongoing infrastructure challenges.
“ I’ m proud of the fact that The Hills Shire has one of the lowest average residential rates in Sydney and is one of the few councils that has not applied for a Special Rate Variation in decades.”
The proposed changes will not
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increase Council’ s overall revenue beyond legislated limits. The rating model has also been independently peer-reviewed by Morrison Low Advisory, confirming the redistribution is fair across all ratepayers. Community consultation is now open, giving ratepayers the opportunity to have their say at hillshaveyoursay. thehills. nsw. gov. au / rebalancing-rates
Subject to community feedback, the proposed rating structure is expected to take effect from 1 July 2026.
In addition, Council has introduced Payble, a flexible payment system offering weekly, fortnightly or monthly instalments for rates. Setup is simple— residents can scan the QR code on Council’ s website,
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enter their details and select their preferred payment option. SMS reminders will also be sent to help residents stay on track.
Residents experiencing difficulty paying their rates are encouraged to contact Council for assistance.
To learn more and provide feedback, visit www. thehills. nsw. gov. au.
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HAVE YOUR SAY ON THE DESIGN OF BOX HILL’ S NEWEST PARK
Residents in Box Hill are one step closer to enjoying a brand-new local playground, with The Hills Shire Council securing land for the future Stockhorse Avenue Reserve.
Council has successfully completed the compulsory acquisition of land to deliver this much-needed recreational space and is now inviting residents to have their say on the park’ s design.
The proposed park will include:
• A state-of-the-art playground featuring a tower structure and climbing net
• Two 3v3 basketball courts
• A picnic shelter and seating areas
• A turf kick-about area
• Pedestrian pathways for easy access and
• Landscaping
Mayor of The Hills Shire, Dr Michelle Byrne, said the acquisition marks a significant milestone for the growing Box Hill community.
“ Securing land for a new park in Box Hill was no easy task, but through the compulsory acquisition of the site, we’ re now able to deliver a much-needed recreational space for local families,” Mayor Byrne said.
“ Stockhorse Avenue Reserve will be a fantastic new addition for residents and a great asset to Box Hill as the suburb continues to grow.
“ This is a great opportunity for residents to have their say and help shape a park that truly reflects the needs of the local community.”
All feedback received during the consultation period will be carefully reviewed, and any necessary changes will be incorporated into the final design.
The consultation period will be completed at 5pm Wednesday 11 February 2026.
For more information and to share your feedback, visit www. thehills. nsw. gov. au and search‘ Stockhorse Avenue Reserve’.
HAVE YOUR SAY ON THE WEST GABLES PLANNING PROPOSAL
The Hills Shire Council is inviting residents to have their say on plans for the future of the West Gables Precinct.
A planning proposal, draft Development Control Plan( DCP) and draft Voluntary Planning Agreements( VPA) are now on public exhibition.
The proposal allows the expansion of a residential precinct at Gables for around 1,260 new homes, including a mix of lowand medium-density housing. Lot sizes would range from 240m ² to 700m ².
The plans also include new open spaces and the protection of waterways and natural areas within the precinct.
Together, the proposal sets out a coordinated, master-planned approach to development, ensuring homes, infrastructure and open space are planned at the same time to support a well-functioning community.
Mayor of The Hills Shire, Dr Michelle Byrne said the proposal shows the importance of delivering well planned communities.
“ West Gables is an example of how supporting infrastructure and open space should be planned and funded together with housing and not added years later,” Mayor Byrne said.
“ The delivery of roads, parks and community facilities is designed to be timed alongside new homes, so residents have access to services as the community grows, while also helping to supply more homes during the country’ s housing crisis.
“ This is about creating a high-quality neighbourhood from the outset, with well-designed parks, protected waterways and the infrastructure needed to support a great place to live.”
Updates to Council’ s planning controls would guide how the area develops and ensures it fits with the existing Gables community and protects the local environment.
The draft VPAs outline how important local infrastructure— such as parks, roads, community facilities and water management— would be funded and delivered.
Council encourages residents, landowners and stakeholders to review the documents and provide feedback.
The exhibition is open until Monday, 23 February 2026.
To view the plans or make a submission, visit www. thehills. nsw. gov. au and search“ West Gables”.
12 ISSUE 128 // FEBRUARY 2026 theindependentmagazine. com. au THE HILLS INDEPENDENT